FOOTBALL

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has revealed he wanted to sack former manager Neil Warnock last October but was prevented from doing so due to the prolonged takeover saga going on at the club.

What people won't be aware of, though, is that two clauses were included in our agreement with GFH. One was that we could make no material change without consulting GFH, while the other was that Neil Warnock had to stay as manager.

I hope all the people I have offended will grant me forgiveness and I repeat my personal apology to Branislav.

4/26/2013 2:23:21 PM

FOOTBALL

Hatem Ben Arfa has given Newcastle a lift by declaring himself ‘100 per cent fit’ for their nervy Premier League run-in, having eased himself back from a hamstring problem.

I'm happy that I have come back into the team slowly and gradually. The manager and the doctor have put in place a programme to ensure I return gradually rather than rush back and get further problems in the future.

4/26/2013 2:29:53 PM

GOLF

Latest leaderboard and selected scores from round two of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in Louisiana. Watch tonight on Sky Sports 4 HD from 8pm.

by dave.tindallon Apr 26, 2013 at 2:33 PM

4/26/2013 2:33:28 PM

4/26/2013 2:37:28 PM

FOOTBALL

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has praised the contribution of winger Aaron Lennon this season, ahead of his return from injury against Wigan on Saturday.

He has scored in some wonderful games, is a player that helps offensively and defensively, he has great responsibility and he has had a couple of games as a captain which is also important for him.

4/26/2013 2:49:13 PM

BOXING

Audley Harrison insists his life will be complete if he fulfills his dream of capturing a heavyweight world title. His bid for another title shot continues with a comeback fight against Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.

I'm a nice family man - the playboy, the narcissist guy has gone to the side now. My life is a perfect beautiful life and the final thing I need to sort out is my boxing career. It got mended a bit with Prizefighter and on Saturday I'm right back in the heavyweight picture.

4/26/2013 2:59:14 PM

FOOTBALL

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has refused to comment on transfer speculation linking him with a move this summer, preferring to concentrate on matters on the pitch. The Poland international has previously been linked to Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Juventus.

The media write a lot about me, but that's just their duty. It's hard for me to say now what will happen when the season ends.

CRICKET

FOOTBALL

The Football Association’s regulatory commission has published in detail its reasons for handing out a ten-match ban to Luis Suarez for biting Branislav Ivanovic, concluding that the purpose of the decision should ‘not only be a punishment for the offence committed, but must also send a strong message that such deplorable behaviours do not have a place in football'.

In considering the factors and submissions by both parties, we were sure when taking all into consideration that the circumstances of the incident of the bite are truly exceptional. We, therefore upheld the claim made by the FA that this standard punishment would be clearly insufficient.

4/26/2013 3:19:47 PM

FOOTBALL

Inter Milan have been fined £37,000 for their fans' racist abuse of Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor during a Europa League match. UEFA's sanction included charges over other crowd issues, including Inter's "insufficient organisation" of the match, missiles being thrown and fireworks lit by their supporters.

RUGBY UNION

He's so devoted and that rubs off on people. When others see someone put so much effort in, they feel guilty if they're not doing the same. When I first started playing for England he was still playing. He was the guy who took professional rugby to the next level with his work ethic and commitment.

BOXING

Amir Khan and Julio Diaz at the official weigh in at the English Institute of Sport on in Sheffield

by dave.tindallon Apr 26, 2013 at 3:51 PM

4/26/2013 3:49:28 PM

FOOTBALL

Swansea defender Ashley Williams has dismissed talk about his future as he gears up for Sunday's clash with Chelsea. The Wales captain has been the subject of speculation over a possible move this summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool reported to be among the front-runners for the centre-back.

I can't think about things like speculation, I'm here with Swansea, enjoying playing in the Premier League and being captain and that's what I'm focused on.

TENNIS

Defending champion Rafael Nadal made light work of having to play twice at the Barcelona Open on Friday, sweeping past Benoit Paire and Albert Ramos to reach the semi-finals. Nadal is going for his third straight title at the event and eighth in total.

FOOTBALL

CRICKET

Bad news for Danish Kaneria as the ECB confirm that his appeal to have his lifetime cricket ban overturned has been dismissed. The former Pakistan international had the suspension imposed last June when he was found guilty of "cajoling and pressurising" former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield to take part in a spot-fixing scam.

4/26/2013 6:34:08 PM

RUGBY UNION

It's the first semi-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup this evening, and it's an all-French affair as Perpignan play Stade Francais for a place in the final. You can catch all the action live on Sky Sports 3 HD and also follow our updates on the scorecentre.

4/26/2013 6:37:01 PM

CRICKET

All the County Championship reports have now been filed as the season continues to get into full swing. Somerset turned down the follow on but hold the upper hand against Warwickshire in our live Sky Sports game. Elsewhere Notts and Hampshire are looking good while Luke Wells made a double hundred as Sussexput the heat onSurrey.

FOOTBALL

CYCLING

Team Sky's Tour de France hopeful Chris Froome remains in the lead at the Tour de Romandie after surviving another flurry of late attacks on on stage three. Gianni Meersman sprinted to his second win of the race but it is Froome who remains six seconds in front in the general classification.